Shanklin

Shanklin has all the charm of a traditional seaside holiday destination, its dramatic backdrop of sandstone cliffs, lines the south-east coast of the Island. The sweeping bay has one of the most stunning walks to take on the Island. Dotted with traditional seaside shops, amusements, beach huts, restaurants and cafes.
Hope Beach: The main beach on Shanklin Seafront, for golden sand and traditional entertainments. The family fun includes crazy golf, pirate adventure golf, ten pin bowling and banana boat rides. There are several bars and restaurants overlooking the beach.

Small Hope Beach: An unspoilt sandy beach with picturesque beach huts and cafés along the Revetment.

Rylstone Gardens: A Victorian park with a bandstand, pitch and putt, café and colourful flower displays.

Red Squirrel Trail: A scenic cycle path and walking route that takes you along a flat, car-free path through beautiful countryside and along the coast. You can pick up the trail at Shanklin. Find out more here.

Shanklin Chine:

A beauty spot which has fascinated artists and authors through the ages, that is illuminated by 200 twinkling lights at night. The Chine truly is a natural spectacle, carved by Mother Nature’s own hands over thousands of years. It cuts its way from Shanklin Old Village to the sandy beach and Esplanade far below…
Shanklin Theatre: An historic venue with an eclectic programme that includes musicals, theatre productions, bands, and comedians. Find out more here.
Shanklin Down: Walk to nearby Ventnor and enjoy far reaching views across the Island and beyond.

Shanklin Old Village

This atmospheric village is lined with pretty thatched cottages, housing traditional pubs serving local ales and produce, restaurants and tea rooms for a spot of light lunch or cream tea and craft shops for you to explore.

The Isle of Wight

Romantic Getaway: The Isle of Wight must be one of the most romantic places in the UK to visit at anytime of the year but particularly during the winter months, when it is quieter.

What could be more romantic than a coastal walk along our literary landscape or a stroll along the Shanklin to Sandown Revetment?

Immerse yourself in tranquility for a couple of hours and relax on your very own furnished terrace taking in the views and your surroundings in this peaceful location.

Walking Holiday: The Isle of Wight is a walker’s paradise, with 500 miles of trails crisscrossing the Island, over the Downs, along the coast and through pretty villages. Whether you’re on foot or cycling, both are a brilliant way of exploring the Island, you might still even find footpaths and cycle paths you never knew existed. So dust off those boots and set out to discover some great routes on the Isle of Wight.

Things to Do with the Family: Home to world-famous music festivals, through to internationally renowned sailing regattas, the Isle of Wight has a wealth of events sure to appeal to every taste.

Adventure awaits, discover the UK’s Old Theme Park at Blackgang Chine, the Island’s first outdoor floating Aqua Park at Tapnell Farm. 

Or why not join in the Summer fun during Carnival season with many towns and villages adorning their streets with decorations, banners and flags to watch the parades.

Christmas on the Isle of Wight:  It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and an even more wonderful time to visit the Isle of Wight. In the winter months, the Island transforms into a winter wonderland, with plenty of festive things to see and do. Lit up by twinkling lights, there is a whole new side to discover as festive wonderlands and grotto’s pop-up around the Island, with something for the young, right through to the young at heart!

For details of all events, see visitisleofwight.co.uk, the website run by Visit Isle of Wight, the official Tourist Board for the Island.

Getting to the Island

Coach: You can get to the ferry terminals at Southampton and Portsmouth via coaches from London Victoria and Heathrow. National Express
Train: Trains will bring you to Portsmouth Docks, Southampton and Lymington, where you can get ferries to the Island. South Western Railway
Ferry: There are frequent boats from Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington. We’ll also give our guests a 15% discount to use when you book your ferry travel with us.
Red Funnel Logo
Wightlink Logo

Going Car Free:
Leave the car keys at home, take a ferry across the Solent and take your time to really discover the Isle of Wight.

The Island is the perfect place to visit if you are without a car, with easy train links from London, Brighton, Bristol and other major cities. Once you’re on the Island take advantage of our fantastic bus service, and take the time to appreciate the miles of unspoilt natural beauty the Island has to offer. Take a look at the Slow Wight Travel Guide for inspiration.

Or why not read more details on our Blog, Going Car Free

Getting to Shanklin

Bus: It’s easy to get to Shanklin by bus and then it’s a 5 minute walk to Dove Court. Please contact us for more local information. Southern Vectis
You can also travel around the Island using public transport. Check out the open-top Shanklin Steamer bus and the Island Coaster bus that will take you around the dramatic South coast.